Contents

History

The Kawasaki H1 Mach III was the result of the successes of the Honda CB450 and Suzuki T500. The United States was the largest market and the public had the desire for larger bore, higher horsepower and higher top speeds from bikes. Kawasaki had the A1 and the A7 which were impressive performers but Kawasaki needed a performance flagship to compete with not only the Suzuki T500 and Honda CB450 but also to take on the established British heavyweight machines. Kawasaki came up with the N100 Plan in July 1967. The target was to create a motorcycle with a displacement of 500cc, a 1/4 mile standing start of 13 seconds, and 60 horsepower. Kawasaki planned to do this by (1) increasing the bore of air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin cylinder Rotary Disc Valve engine on the Kawasaki A7 Samurai, or (2) develop a revolutionary new engine layout. Both twin cylinder and a three cylinder engines were developed alongside each other with the assistance of Osaka University. Kawasaki finally went with the three cylinder.

Kawasaki produced the first ever MACH III in September 1968. In June 1970 Kawasaki launched a candy red bike with white stripes and a few minor changes. In September 1971, the H1A was launched.
[2]

The three-cylinder, 500cc two stroke power plant had an impressive 60 horsepower and became the quickest production motorcycle EVER produced as it sped down the quarter mile in an unbelievable 12.8 seconds @ 99.5mph. The H1 retailed for $999.00 it would typify what Kawasaki became known for Innovation and Acceleration! The H1 still creates excitement today. Kawasaki 2 stroke triple.

1969 H1

1969 Kawasaki H1

1969 Kawasaki H1 in White

1969 Kawasaki H1 in White

1969 Kawasaki H1 in White

1969 Kawasaki H1 in White

1969 Kawasaki H1 in White

1969 Kawasaki H1 in White

1969 Kawasaki H1 in White

1969 Kawasaki H1 in White

Piston Valve

Color

Fuel Tank: Midnight White, Peacock Gray

Front Fender: Stainless steel

Engine No.: KAE-00001-

Frame No.: KAF-00001-

Parts Catalog No.: 99997-115, @ 99997-1165

Shop Manual No.: 99997-711

Remarks: Two-stroke, triple-cylinder engine with oil injection. Except for European model, has CDI ignition system. Original H1 features diaphragm fuel tap, separate handle-bar holder, and air scoops on the rear brake panel.

1970 H1

1970 Kawasaki H1

1970 Kawasaki H1 MACH III in Red

1970 Kawasaki H1 MACH III in Red

1970 Kawasaki H1 MACH III in Red

Color

Fuel Tank: Candy Red

Front Fender: Stainless steel

Engine No.: KAE-06315-

Frame No.: KAF-06727-

Parts Catalog No.: 99997-121s

Shop Manual No.: 99997-711

Major Changes: Color and marking.

1971 H1A

1971 Kawasaki H1

1971 Kawasaki Mach III Triple (H1) in Blue

1971 Kawasaki Mach III Triple (H1) in Blue

1971 Kawasaki Mach III Triple (H1) in Blue

1971 Kawasaki Mach III Triple (H1) in Blue

1971 Kawasaki Mach III Triple (H1) in Blue

1971 Kawasaki Mach III Triple (H1) in Blue

Color

Fuel Tank: Candy Blue

Front Fender: Stainless steel

Engine No.: KAE-21876-

Frame No.: KAF-23626-

Parts Catalogue No.: 99997- 177s

Owner's Manual No. : 99995-314

Shop Manual No.: 99997-711

Major Changes: Color, marking, and fuel tank.

1972 H1B

Though the Kawasaki H2, Kawasaki S2, and Kawasaki S1 had a redesign which included a race tail as opposed to standard rear fender, the H1 Mach III kept the appearance of the previous year with respect to the rear end. Kawasaki, however, saw fit to at least paint the rear fender... the only year Kawasaki would paint both fenders on their street bikes.

1976

H1R

1969 Kawasaki H1R

In 1970, the H1R was available worldwide as a limited production road racer. The worldwide racing success of the H1R furthered the performance image of Kawasaki. The H1R 500cc triple two-stroke engine claimed 80 hp @ 9,500 rpm. During the 1970 Daytona 200 road race, an H1R piloted by Ginger Molloy was clocked on the banking at an unheard of 159.83mph.